Tigers

Tigers on the brink, fall to White Sox 5-4

The Chicago White Sox (80-66) topped the Detroit Tigers (77-69) with a final score of 5-4 in a pivotal makeup game, forcing the Tigers back three games in the American League Central Division. A missed double play in the fifth inning would be the difference maker, allowing the White Sox to capitalize and score the tie-breaking run.

Detroit’s Doug Fister (9-9) pitched four innings in a losing effort as he gave up five runs (4 earned) and struck out two. Chicago’s Jose Quintana did not factor into the decision, also pitching four innings and giving up four earned runs.

Detroit appeared to be in control as they jumped to a three run lead in the third inning. But, an inning later, Chicago countered with 3 runs of their own to knot the score. However, the tied up score was to be short lived as Detroit’s Delmon Young (2-3, 3 RBI) recorded his third RBI as he singled home Miguel Cabrera (1-3, R, BB) from third base, gaining back the lead 4-3. From this point on, the Tigers would only manufacture one more hit for the rest of the game.

In the fifth inning, with bases loaded and one out, Chicago’s Dayan Viciedo (1-3, R, RBI) grounded into what appeared to be a routine double play as Detroit’s Jhonny Peralta (0-3, BB) fielded the ball cleanly and fed it to second baseman Omar Infante (0-3) for the second out; just as Adam Dunn (1-5, R) crossed home plate to even the score. When Infante began his throw to first, Alex Rios (2-3, R) met him with an aggressive slide into second base, knocking him off balance and causing an errant throw to first. Prince Fielder (2-4, 2 SO) was unable to pick the ball out of the dirt, as it went through his legs and into Detroit’s dugout causing Paul Konerko (1-4, R) to score the go-ahead run.

Chicago’s Nate Jones (8-0, 2.63 ERA) worked 2 2/3 innings of one- hit ball to pick up his eight win of the season. It was a playoff atmosphere at U.S. Cellular Field as Jones was met with a standing ovation, after his 23-pitch effort. Addison Reed earned his 27th save of the season pitching to one batter in the 9th.

Detroit hopes to rebound tomorrow as they begin a 3- game set against the Oakland Athletics at Comerica Park, in Detroit, Michigan (7pm ET). The Tiger’s Justin Verlander (14-8, 2.82 ERA) will take the hill vs. Oakland’s lefthander Brett Anderson (4-1, 1.93 ERA).

Notes: Tigers C Alex Avila was out of the starting lineup after colliding with Fielder on Sunday. He is listed day-to-day.

Miguel Cabrera (.330) with his 1-3 afternoon is still currently leading LA’s Mike Trout (.329) in batting average for the AL.

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